Acolyte

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Acolyte

As you venture deeper into the dimly lit corridors of the ancient temple, the air grows thick with the scent of incense and the faint echo of whispered prayers. Your footsteps reverberate off the cold stone walls, and a sense of unease begins to creep into your bones. It is here, in this sacred yet foreboding place, that you encounter the Acolyte.

The Acolyte stands before you, clad in simple yet ceremonial robes that drape elegantly over their slender frame. The fabric is adorned with intricate symbols and sigils, each one a testament to their unwavering devotion to their deity. A hood obscures much of their face, casting shadows that dance across their features, but you can see the glint of fervor in their eyes—a burning intensity that speaks of both zeal and mystery.

In their hands, the Acolyte clutches a staff, its wood polished and worn from years of use. Atop the staff, a small crystal glows with an ethereal light, pulsing gently in time with the Acolyte's heartbeat. This artifact is not merely a tool but a conduit for the divine power they channel, a symbol of their faith and their connection to the otherworldly.

The Acolyte's behavior is marked by a quiet, almost unsettling calm. They move with purpose, each step deliberate and measured, as if guided by an unseen force. Their voice, when they speak, is soft yet commanding, carrying the weight of ancient knowledge and the promise of divine intervention. They are both a healer and a harbinger, capable of mending wounds or calling down the wrath of their god upon those who would defile the sacred.

Typically, Acolytes are found within the hallowed halls of temples, monasteries, or secluded shrines, places where the veil between the mortal realm and the divine is thin. These sanctuaries are often nestled in remote locations, hidden away from the prying eyes of the world, where the Acolytes can practice their rites in peace and solitude.

Legends speak of Acolytes who have performed miracles, their faith so pure and unyielding that they have been granted glimpses of the divine. It is said that those who earn the favor of an Acolyte may find themselves blessed with protection and guidance, while those who incur their wrath may face a reckoning unlike any other.

As you stand before the Acolyte, you cannot help but feel the weight of their presence, a reminder of the power that lies beyond the mortal coil. In this moment, you realize that you are in the presence of one who walks the line between the earthly and the ethereal, a servant of the divine whose path is both a mystery and a marvel.

Acolyte Skills & Traits

Skills

• Insight +3
• Religion +2

Senses

• Passive Perception 10

Languages

• Any one language (usually Common)

Abilities

• Spellcasting: The acolyte is a 1st-level spellcaster. Its spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 12, +4 to hit with spell attacks). The acolyte has the following cleric spells prepared:
  • Cantrips (at will): light, sacred flame, thaumaturgy
  • 1st level (3 slots): bless, cure wounds, sanctuary

Actions

• Club: Melee Weapon Attack: +2 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 2 (1d4) bludgeoning damage.

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Battle Tips for Acolytes

Acolytes are often underestimated in battle due to their low hit points and limited offensive capabilities. However, with strategic use, they can be a valuable asset in any encounter. Here are some tips for dungeon masters on how to effectively use acolytes in battle:

Utilizing Acolytes in Battle

• Support Role: Acolytes excel in a support role, using their healing spells to keep more powerful allies in the fight. Position them behind stronger creatures to maximize their longevity.
• Spellcasting: Make use of their spellcasting abilities, such as Bless and Cure Wounds, to enhance the capabilities of their allies and sustain them during prolonged battles.
• Divine Favor: Use their Sacred Flame cantrip to target enemies with low Dexterity, providing consistent damage output without expending spell slots.

Coordinating Multiple Acolytes

• Healing Network: When using multiple acolytes, create a healing network where they can heal each other and other allies, ensuring that the group remains resilient against enemy attacks.
• Spell Synergy: Coordinate their spells to maximize effectiveness. For example, one acolyte can cast Bless while another uses Guiding Bolt to increase the party's attack potential.
• Defensive Formation: Position acolytes in a defensive formation, using terrain and cover to protect them from ranged attacks while they provide support from a distance.

Strategic Retreats

• Covering Fire: If the battle turns against them, acolytes can use Sacred Flame to provide covering fire as they retreat, targeting enemies that pursue.
• Healing Retreat: Use their healing spells to stabilize fallen allies as they withdraw, ensuring that the party can regroup and recover for a counterattack.
• Distraction Tactics: Have one or two acolytes create a diversion, drawing enemy attention while the rest of the group retreats to safety.

By leveraging their support capabilities and coordinating their actions, acolytes can significantly influence the outcome of a battle, providing crucial assistance to their allies and ensuring the party's success.